Rehabilitate to reduce recidivism rates

Thursday

Mar 6, 2014 at 6:00 AM

Clive McFarlane's column "Mass. criminal justice system great at punishment, lousy at prevention" (Telegram & Gazette, Feb. 21) is on target with Massachusetts' issue of not enough prevention in the criminal justice system. Many social factors and injustices contribute to rates of crime — poverty, living conditions, poor education, parenting, and the social environment.

Massachusetts needs to invest in preventative measures to reduce crime, instead of focusing mainly on punishment. Prevention is more cost-effective and keeps people out of jail and at home with their families.

In communities that are the most vulnerable, such as those with low socioeconomic status, youth crime-prevention programs can help keep kids away from crime and keep them in school.

I support the governor's steps to reduce recidivism rates by reducing the prison population and investing in programs to help reenter inmates into society.

Prison focuses on punishment and for some it's necessary, but when it comes to drug crimes and nonviolent offenders, prison may do the opposite of what it intends.

Providing programs and support for offenders, either while in prison or as an alternative, will have a greater impact on reducing recidivism rates because it addresses the problem with a solution.

The purpose of a justice system should not solely focus on punishment but rehabilitation, both for the safety of the community and for the well-being of the individual. Education and job training in prisons can help integrate them back into society so they can become active members of the community.